Test of time

What you need to know for the PSATs

photo credit: Hannah Hansen

Quick study \ Students received study guides to help them prepare for the upcoming PSATs. Students will take it at school Oct. 26.

writer: Hannah Hansen, Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2021

Students from ninth to eleventh grade will take the PSATs during the school day on Oct. 26, instead of going to their classes as normal. The PSAT allows students to prepare for the SAT, a college admissions exam.

“The PSAT is a really good predictor for how students will score on the SAT,” Testing Coordinator Lisa Lee said. “Students start as freshmen and sophomores and are able to get ready for the one the really counts as a junior. This gives students data so they can better their scores.”

For juniors, the PSAT also doubles as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, or NMSQT. This makes students eligible for a plethora of scholarships and allows them the opportunity to get money to pay for college.

“This test gives juniors the potential to qualify for various national recognition programs including a National Merit Scholarship,” Head Counselor Mandy Coers said.

Students will be unable to retake the test if they are unable to come to school that day or are unable to complete it.

“We’re taking the test on the last available day, due to our school calendar,” Ms. Lee said. “You can only take this test once a year. It’s a highly secure test.”

For those taking the PSAT for the first time, there are several things to keep in mind while preparing for the test.

“Students need to take this test seriously,” Mrs. Coers said. “It gives great information on their SAT potential.”

The PSAT is divided into four different sections: a reading section, a writing section, and two math sections, one with a calculator and one without. Each section is also timed.

“Knowing that there’s a set time to each section is very beneficial,” Ms. Lee said. “It’s not like the STAAR test at all.”

The school has received  study guides to help prep students for the PSAT.

“The study guides will be given to juniors first,” said Ms. Lee. “Then sophomores and freshmen will get theirs. We should be getting them in the next couple weeks.”

To get their scores, students must log into their College Board accounts. 

“PSAT releases scores unrelated to the school,” Ms. Lee said. “So you have to use your email through College Board to access those.”

Scores are available December 6-7.